how do electricity?

[johnny gaijin]

the plan is to rewire my 1975 cl360. with a little help from the dtt members i made up a wiring diagram:

i feel pretty good about that but now i need some nitty-gritty knowledge.

what gauge wires do i need?
what kind of connectors should i use?
is there anyway to buy wire by the foot or am i going ot have to buy a roll for each color?
if i can get it by the foot how many foots should i buy?
my brake/tail lights are LEDs with very small gauge wires; what's the best way to connect them to a bigger wire?
once i've got all my parts together do you have any tips/recommendations/cautions for me?

thanks guys!

 

[teazer]

We need a sticky for some of this

Connectors:
http://www.vintageconnections.com/

http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/

http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Elec__Products/Connectors/connectors.html

I have bought from all three and they were all excellent.

Wires can be bought by the foot or roll.
http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/en-us/d40.html?gclid=CMqXn-ysvKsCFcG8KgodQw-JuA

http://www.delcity.net/store/20-gauge/p_181397.a_1

http://www.kayjayco.com/catPWireGXLTXL.htm

http://order.waytekwire.com/products2/M50/360/50/650/1/20%20GA%20GPT%20Primary%20Wire/GPT%20Primary%20Wire%20SAE%20J1128/Wire%20And%20Cable/

Waytek also sell Molex waterproof connectors and TWP (thin wall) wire as well as GPT (general purpose) wire.

And there's the place I need to order from that I have lost the URL for.. Figures.

You can use 20 or 22 gauge for LED lights or even thinner, but use thicker (18) for most circuits and probably 14 gauge or thicker. Here's a simple calculator http://www.gtsparkplugs.com/WireSizeCalc.html
and guide http://www.offroaders.com/tech/12-volt-wire-gauge-amps.htm

Or check this article http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/WireCapacityChart.htm

Then you need a good supply of heat shrink tube and sleeve http://cableorganizer.com/fray-resistant/

Use a relay on the ignition and headlamps and you get better lights and stronger sparks

 

[johnny gaijin]

thanks for the help!
just noticed there's a new sub forum up for electrical posts. whoops!

 

[crazypj]

Teazer, your right.
E-mail Tim and ask him to move post to electrical then sticky the links
Some excellent links there I've never seen or heard of before